The National Equality March route for Oct 11th has been approved. Below is the map and instructions for those participating in the march for LGBT liberation.

Gather on 15th Street at “I” (Eye) Street – we will be staging in the street and 15th between “I” Street and “M” Street will be closed for this purpose. The March will kick off from 15th and I Street, right near McPherson Square (Metro stops close by are at McPherson Square, Farragut West – both Blue and Orange Lines, and Farragut North – Red Line)

East on Pennsylvania Avenue South, all the way to the U.S. Capitol West Lawn for the National Equality March Rally.

The approximate distance is 2.33 miles from start to finish. Be sure and get your Metro passes as soon as you get into town, to avoid hour long lines that form at the ticket kiosks during larger demonstrations. http://www.wmata.com/

This election marriage equality is up to a vote in Maine, hopefully freedom prevails but in case it doesn't there is still time left to get your marriage license. There is no state residency requirement, any same-sex couple can get a Maine marriage license for $20!

The reason it's important to do this is because the state likely will not be able to deny marriages existing before any potential bans take place. Also, recognized same-sex marriages are an opportunity for court battles to re-open marriage equality to all couples.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

If you want to keep yourself and your viewers up to date with the latest up to the minute LGBT news and activism, install this free widget on your site. You can add our ticker to your blog, website, or facebook, myspace, etc simply by clicking "get widget" to copy the coding.

Bisexual Butterfly is a national charitable organization that operates within the UK which aims to provide information and support to bisexuals, members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans) community, other LGBT organizations and anyone with an interest in bisexual issues.

A billboard alongside a highway in Memphis Tennessee featuring a former Marine kicked out under the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy has been desecrated. The billboard which said "I'm gay and I protected you're freedom" was an advertisement for the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center. The sign was torn down a mere 10 days after it was placed.

A rally is planned for 1 pm on Sunday at First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper Street in Memphis.

Monday, September 28, 2009

In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine, rapper and hip-hop producer Warren G has made some ridiculous and offensive comments regarding gay people. He claims to have no problems with queer folk, but he just doesn't believe same-sex couples should be visible because it ends up corrupting kids.

"I ain’t against gay people. I’m just against it being promoted to kids...I know people that’s gay. My wife’s got friends that are gay. I got family that’s gay. Cousins and shit. He cool as fuck. He cool as a motherfucker. He’s my homie. I just mean that on some of these TV shows, they got dudes kissing. And kids are watching that shit. We can’t have kids growing up with that...I know it happens, but let’s keep it behind the scenes. Ain’t nothin’ wrong with it if that’s what two dudes wanna do. Cool. But that’s not bring that out into the world, where the kids can see that. We don’t want all the kids doing that. ‘Cause that ain’t how we was originally put here to do. Like I said, I ain’t got no problem with the gays" (Vanity Fair).

So seeing gay people leads us to become gay? Well there's a new theory. If Warren G claims he has no problem with gays, and has gay friends and family, tell him to get his story straight.

The Equality Forum has begun a new campaign urging the Queen of England to posthumously knight Alan Turing for his efforts during world war two. Turing is credited with breaking the German Enigma Code and bringing a close to the war. He is considered the father of computer science but never received the respect he deserves because of being treated as an outcast for being gay. He was chemically castrated and eventually commit suicide as a result of the humiliation he received.

"While Turing was dealt with under the law of the time and we can't put the clock back, his treatment was of course utterly unfair and I am pleased to have the chance to say how deeply sorry I and we all are for what happened to him. On behalf of the British government, and all those who live freely thanks to Alan's work I am very proud to say: we're sorry, you deserved so much better."

Click here to learn how to nominate someone for an honor by the Queen.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Today is the second annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day put together by the National Association of People With AIDS. NGMHAAD is an opportunity to focus resources and attention to the alarming rate of new infections among gay and bisexual men, particularly those in communities of color where resources are severely lacking.

NGMAHAD's goals are to 1) raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among gay men, 2) encourage HIV testing, early diagnosis and linkage to care, 3) promote better understanding of the complex factors that drive HIV transmission among gay men, and 4) obtain broad based support to acquire needed public and private resources and sound governmental policies to prevent new infections among gay men and to provide treatment for gay men living with HIV/AIDS.Sorry, your browser doesn't support iframes.

* Fifty-three percent of new HIV infections occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2006

* From 2001 – 2006, men who have sex with men (MSM) across all racial and ethnic groups were the only transmission category with significant increases in HIV diagnoses

* HIV incidence has been increasing steadily among gay and bisexual men since the early 1990s, consistent with increases in risk behavior, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV diagnoses among MSM

* Gay men comprise over half of the total number of total HIV/AIDS cases in the United States

* More than 500,000 gay men of all colors have died in the United States. (NAPWA).

Saturday, September 26, 2009

We are all familiar with the term and concept of homophobia which is the irrational fear and hatred of homosexuals. But is there a fear and hatred of heterosexuals displayed by some in the gay community?

When gay people choose to isolate themselves and only associate with others like themselves, do some develop a sense of anger and frustration at the heterosexual majority?

There have even been isolated incidents of straight couples being verbally attacked by gay people screaming "breeder" at them and demanding they leave the gay village.

What about when a bisexual chooses a mate of the opposite sex, they are considered a traitor to the gay community even though they still remain in their bisexual identity.

There are also those who feel that certain efforts for marriage equality to be extended to same-sex couples, that deny granting benefits to unmarried heterosexuals is tantamount to being heterophobic.

The "fruit machine" was a device developed in Canada that was supposed to detect homosexuals. It was used in the 50's and 60's by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the military to root out gay men.

Friday, September 25, 2009

A new commercial by Apple mocks transgender people and attempts to make trans people seem less than and a "work in progress"

"The ad features model Gisele Bundchen, who is supposed to be the embodiment of a home movie made using iMovie. After the Mac presents Gisele, the PC presents a person wearing a dress identical to Gisele’s, in a wig, with no breasts, a five o’clock shadow and an abundance of exposed chest hair" (GLAAD).

Thursday, September 24, 2009

People who are pastors or have ministered within the Mennonite Church have been called to sign an open letter advocating for change within the sect. The letter argues against the exclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and talks of the inclusive and the hospitable nature of Jesus. It goes on to argue that by denying LGBT people, the Church has lost sight of the Gospel.

Anyone can sign onto the petition, but obviously people in positions of leadership hold the most weight.

Many people question their sexual orientation or gender identity if it differs from the norm, and they need to figure out for themselves if their feelings match up with these labels created by society. Some people question their identity very early, while others do so later in life. There is no science to the time table for questioning, some people figure it out early, and others take an entire lifetime of questioning their identity.

What is questioning?This term within the context of the queer community refers to people who are questioning their sexual orientation, gender identity or both. They may be experimenting with their feelings and attractions to see what identity would best describe them. The letter "Q" is sometimes added to the acronym LGBTA for this category.

How can someone not know what they are?Identity politics is a complicated subject, some people feel they easily mold into labels and others feel that they may embrace some attributes of a label but not others. Some people are afraid to take on a label due to the real or perceived consequences that may result. Others generally feel that they are a mix of things and accept that their lives are full of unanswered questions that likely wont be resolved.

Is questioning a sexual identity?This is a topic that has been debated and will likely go on within the queer community. The answer is yes if you believe that a temporary phase of questioning identity is in itself an identity for a given time period. Also, for those who do question for life or prolonged periods of time, it is their sexual identity to question sexuality and gender. People who are questioning fall into a unique subset because they acknowledge that they don't automatically fall into the heteronorm, but at the same time they don't necessarily accept or feel that they are queer. To be questioning is to feel that you are somewhere in between these two realms and that in itself can be considered an identity.

Are questioning people confused?Some are confused due to a host of variables such as religion, culture, and societal pressure. Others simply find that our society is heavily reliant on labels that just don't fit neatly to each individual. The process of questioning sexual and gender identity is not confusion, it is normal and healthy. Whether one is gay, straight, asexual or somewhere in between we all question our understanding of sexuality throughout life.

How do you come out if you don't have a label?It is best to come out sharing who you honestly feel you are. You can choose to come out with the identity that seems to fit the most, or you can simply admit that you are questioning or curious. Don't worry about the judgment or perception of others, you need to do whats spiritually right for yourself. Some questioning people prefer to use ambiguous terminology to refer to their identity and/or a partner such as lover, partner, significant other, friend with benefits, etc. When asked what their sexual identity is they simply say their name, or that they like who they like and keep it at that, have fun with it!

Coping with an uncertain sexual identity:

1. You acknowledge each attraction when it happens, rather than trying to stifle any natural feelings.

2. You look for a pattern in your attractions. This will point you towards your natural sexuality.

3. You do not deny what you know. If you are homosexual or bisexual, don’t try to convince yourself that you are heterosexual. All that will result is a lot of headaches.

4. You embrace questioning. If you are not ready to classify yourself as a specific sexuality, then don’t.

5. You seek support. If you feel isolated due to your sexuality, look around your local, regional or even national or international community for organizations that will support your lifestyle.

6. You take yourself seriously. Announcing your sexuality to anyone who will listen isn’t necessary. Show your maturity by respecting yourself and your relationships and giving them the attention and privacy that they deserve.

7. You are honest with yourself and others. If you realize that you are a particular sexual identity, don’t keep it a secret from those you love. Remember, given time almost anyone can adjust to almost anything (Teen Issues).

Resources for the Q population.

Recommended Reads:

The Full Spectrum: A New Generation of Writing About Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, and Other Identities - David Levithan

On July 19, 2008, Ian Breppe was verbally assaulted with reference to his transgender identity by the owner of a butcher shop near his bicycle repair shop. The butcher shop owner then beat Ian up. When Ian reported this assault at the police station in La Matanza, the officers rejected the complaint and verbally humiliated him.

The next year, on April 10, 2009, Ian was verbally abused by David Martin Albarran, who grabbed him by his hair, dragged him around, beat him, and then finally threw him against the window, causing Ian serious injuries. Ian had three tendons cut in his right foot, his ribs cracked, and was bruised on various parts of his body He brought complaints to the Attorney General of La Matanza and to the National Institute against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism, which is part of the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights of Argentina. Neither of these institutions responded to the complaints.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins Movimiento Antidiscriminatorio de Liberación (MAL) and other organizations in requesting that you contact the Ministry of Justice, Security and Human Rights, the Attorney General of La Matanza, the Director of Human Rights of La Matanza and other authorities, demanding a full and fair investigation into these attacks and calling for the adoption of measures to prevent similar crimes in the future.

Please head over to SexGenderBody for a host of ways to take action on the issue.

Wreath LayingTime: 12:00 pmLocation: Arlington National Cemetery, Tomb of the Unknowns. View MapThis will be a 15 minute ceremony conducted by Lt. Dan Choi, Knightsout.org and other former servicemembers discharged by DADT.

Protect Maine Equality has a national day of action to protect marriage equality coming up. You can help out with their virtual phonebank no matter where you are in the country. As long as you have a phone and a computer, you are set to help phonebank. There are no long-distance fees and no dialing, the web software does it all for you.

From 9-5PM on Sunday, Sept 27th you can join the virtual phonebank and talk to Maine voters about voting NO on 1!

Please sign up on the following form, and an organizer will get in touch with you shortly.

The Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) is having a hearing in the House of Representatives now, click here for a live feed of the coverage. ENDA would ensure that employees are protected from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression. The bill would make sure that an employee cannot be fired, refused hiring, or promotion simply based on these attributes.

It is still legal in 29 states to fire someone for their sexual orientation, and in 38 states for gender identity.

Bisexuality is a sexual orientation that is often misunderstood, bisexuals are a segment of the population that face unnecessary discrimination from both the straight and gay communities because this community treads the line on sexuality.

Definition: Bisexuality is a sexual orientation whereby a person can have physical/emotional attraction towards both males and females.

There are varying degrees of bisexuality, again like all sexual identity, bisexuality lies on a continuum and some bisexuals will be predominantly attracted to one sex while others find their level of attraction is closer to an equal level for both.

What is Biphobia? Unfortunately this is very common among the gay and straight communities who often misunderstand and fear bisexuality. Biphobia is a fear and condemnation of bisexuality and people of the orientation. Common biphobic assumptions are that people who are bisexual are "confused", "selfish", "hedonistic", "promiscuous". Many people are under the false impression that bisexuals cannot remain monogamous, and that they date multiple partners and cannot remain faithful.

How common is Bisexuality? This is a hard one to answer, sexual identity is fluid and lies on a continuum, a large percentage of people regardless of whether they identify as gay/straight have had some degree of same-sex or opposite attraction and this fact would mean they are bisexual to a degree. People who find that their bisexuality is more evident or lifelong consistent make up between 3-5% of the general population. Bisexuality is also common in the animal kingdom with many species exhibiting bisexual behavior and some where the entire species are bisexual such as the binobo monkeys.

Symbols of Bisexuality: The Bisexual pride flag has a deep pink stripe at the top for homosexuality, a blue one on the bottom for heterosexuality, and a purple blend of the pink and blue colors to represent bisexuality. Other symbols include a pink and blue triangle that overlap creating a purple triangle at its intersection. Another popular symbol is the double moon representing mars and venus and showing bisexuals are open to both sexes.

Recommended Books on Bisexuality:

Bi Any Other Name:Bisexual People Speak Out by Loraine Hutchins, Editor & Lani Ka'ahumanu

Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World by Robyn Ochs, Editor & Sarah Rowley

The Bisexual Option by Fritz Klein, MD

Bi Men : Coming Out Every Which Way by Ron Suresha and Pete Chvany

Bi America : Myths, Truths, And Struggles Of An Invisible Community by William E. Burleson

Bisexuality in the United States : A Social Science Reader by Paula C. Rodriguez Rust

Bisexuality : The Psychology and Politics of an Invisible Minority by Beth A. Firestein

Members of the LGBT community are putting pressure on the Algoma District School Board in Ontario Canada to implement an anti-LGBT discrimination policy. The school has been resistent to changing policies to make the life of LGBT students easier in the past and activists are hoping to change that this time around.

Please join the campaign by calling and email the school and let them know a non-discrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity is necessary.

Hunters Nightclub in Chicago in an effort to crack down on prostitution is forcing clients to have their appearance match their legal identity on their photo ID. This new rule unfairly discriminates against many transgender people who either crossdress on occasion, or those who have not taken legal measures to change their gender status.

"Hunters Nightclub reluctantly imposed its new ID requirement because cross-dressing prostitutes were advertising on Craigslist and mentioning the establishment, said manager Peter Landorf.

They're implying they're coming here," said Landorf, whose new rule could cut down on his cross-dressing clientele. "If it is prostitution in any form, that could cost me my liquor license"

(Chicago Tribune). Call Hunters and let them know that you will not stand for discrimination against our transgender brothers and sisters and that an alternative solution is necessary to avoid banning certain clientele.

Private studies have shown that there exist disparities in health, health care access, and health care outcomes between the general population and LGBT people and families. Employment discrimination and lack of government recognition of same-sex relationships both contribute to these disparities.

The health care reform bill must include LGBT-inclusive policies, and in particular, data collection about the relationship between sexual orientation and gender identity and health care access.

Brittany Novotny a transgender attorney and LGBT activist is setting her hopes on the legislative seat currently occupied by anti-gay Sally Kern. You might remember Kern for her remarks about "homosexuality being worse than terrorism" along with a slew of other radical statements such as blaming the economic downturn on gays and lesbians.

Ms. Novotny on the other hand is actually focused on the issues of constituents and seeks to create change not division within her district.

"We need a representative who values all families in the district, who is dedicated to bringing good jobs to Oklahoma, and who will work tirelessly to make sure our children are getting the best education in our public schools. I believe I have the experience, drive, and determination to do that."-Brittany M. Novotny

The election set for 2010 is in a very conservative district, but if we can out seat an anti-LGBT politician with Ms. Novotny it would be a major not to mention sweet victory.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Seattle OUTProtest has brought together a grassroots coalition of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight people and organizations to organize a series of solidarity events to coincide with the National March for Equality this October.

We are excited to build a grassroots movement for civil rights and equality for all, starting with approving Referendum 71 and keeping domestic partnerships legal. Please, plan to march with us in Seattle on October 11, 2009 at 2:00 pm.

March and RallyForty years after the Stonewall Rebellion, we march in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and allies in Washington, DC to demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states and to show our public support for the Approval of Referendum 71 here in Washington state.Sunday, October 112:00 pm: Volunteer Park, 10th Ave E & E Prospect5:00 pm: Rally, Federal Courthouse, 7th & Stewart

Thinking Queerly: Community Workshops on LGBT IssuesCommunity organizers and activists will present a series of workshops on a range of issues affecting the lgbt community including Stonewall and lgbt movement history, homelessness, hate crimes and self defense, lgbt health, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, lgbt legal issues, Gay-Straight Alliances, marriage equality, and more.Saturday, October 109:30 am to 5 pmPiggot Auditorium, Seattle University

HIV/AIDS VigilAs the AIDS pandemic nears its fourth decade, we gather to educate and raise awareness about the continued struggles of people living with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends, and support networks as well as to demand all resources and all funding necessary for prevention, treatment, and a cure.Saturday, October 10Starting at 6 pmSeattle Central Community College South Plaza, Broadway & E Pine

Generation Q Mega MixerCome mingle and mix with seasoned leaders and activists of the GLBTQ community at the Generation Q Mega Mixer. Young leaders (25 and under please) will have the opportunity to socialize, learn from, and quite possibly have a dance off with some of the community's most inspiring members in a relaxed social environment.Sunday, October 116:30 pmSole Repair Shop, 1001 E Pike

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Winner of the 800m gold medal race Caster Semenya is on suicide watch now after the media have publicly discussed her intersex status. She has been referred to as a "hermaphrodite" which is offensive and biologically impossibility since someone cannot have all male and female genitalia, but only parts and chromosomes. She has also been the butt of jokes on various late night shows which have completely taken advantage of this tragic situation.

Semenya.net has been created to show support for this athlete, and to let her know that she has supporters out there. Leave a message of support for Caster.

Screaming Queens: The Riot At Compton's Cafeteria is the 2005 documentary produced by Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker about San Francisco's 1966 Compton's Cafeteria riot. It preceded the more famous Stonewall one by three years.

Here's a link to more information about it, and enjoy these clips from the documentary.

This is a great piece of LGBT and trans history rarely shown or heard of.

There have been a slew of straight celebrities lately such as Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Mehcad Brooks, and Angelina Jolie who is bisexual but in a relationship with a man, among others who refuse to marry until LGBT's can as well. There are also many regular folks out there who are boycotting marriage until the institution is open to all who wish to be legally recognized.

What do you make of this tactic? Are these people just avoiding marriage and using it as an opportunity to look good, or are they sincere? Should straight people avoid marriage, or should we encourage people who can get married to do so while still fighting for the rights for the rest of us? or do you believe we should all just get off this marriage bandwagon and focus on other issues?

Friday, September 18, 2009

Fox’s So you Think You Can Dance has featured a same-sex dancing couple Jacob Jason and Willem De Vries on their show. This is a clear turn from the earlier controversy where judge Nigel Lythgoe unfairly criticized same-sex dancing. This show introduced the audience into the world of same-sex ballroom dancing, and showed the raw emotion of the dance partners.

Contact Fox's So You Think You Can Dance to thank them for this segment:

Today is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day and the theme for this year is "HIV Over 50, Get Educated, Get Tested!." There is an alarming rate of infections among the elder population, due to fear, lack of information and resources targeting this demographic.

This day is meant to bring awareness to the growing issue of HIV/AIDS for older people and it is essential to promote testing, safe-sex, and education for this age group.

In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported persons aged 50 and older accounted for approximately:

Thursday, September 17, 2009

National Geographic has put out a documentary featuring Gulf War veteran Rudy Alaniz, who discovered through an MRI that he possessed ovaries and a womb. The short clip below shows the ordeal and results that come from lies and shame perpetrated by the medical establishment.

Students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are protesting a series of speaking engagements by Edward Delgado a so called "ex-gay" evangelist. Brought in as a guest speaker by the Campus Bible Ministries Mr. Delgado will give 14 lectures titled “From Sin’s Bondage to Christ’s Freedom" on his claim that through reading the Bible he magically journeyed from being gay to becoming a heterosexual.

The visit is offensive to gay students, and allies because of advertisements around campus with the headline “Gay? Lonely? Confused?” attempting to draw students to the event in hopes of their salvation.

Delgado also parades around using lies and myths about what it means to be gay and claiming that it is a destructive lifestyle.

GSA members and activists have protested with "stop the hate" t-shirts and by handing out literature, and plan to continue doing so for the rest of Mr. Delgados presentations. Mr. Delgado will speak in the Wood Center conference room today at 11:30 a.m., 2 and 5:20 p.m. You can protest him Friday in the Wood Center at 10:30 a.m., 1, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The anti-gay right has been misleading the public in Maine to suggest that the government forced marriage in order to avoid a peoples vote, and that if the referendum passes that there will be a flood of lawsuits and homosexual marriage will be taught in schools. These lies are being used as scare tactics to get Mainers to vote against marriage equality. The No On 1 campaign by Protect Maine Equality is fighting back with a new ad to set the record straight:

Asexual Curiosities is for the asexually curious and the curiously asexual people out there, as the blog puts it. The blog is run by an 18 year old British male who identifies as a romantic gay demisexual.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Today is LGBT Center Awareness Day, an opportunity to honor and celebrate the difference queer community centers make in our lives. The 2009 theme is “My Community Center Changed My Life” and will focus on the vital role that community centers play in the health, empowerment, and unity of LGBT communities.

Celebrate the day by going to an event at your local LGBT center or share your story about how the center has impacted your life.